To mark its 45th birthday in June 2012, Mercedes-Benz's high-performance AMG brand is presenting the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY". The V12 roadster boasts an exclusive array of unusual appointments and design features. The special anniversary model is being produced in a limited edition of 45 vehicles. AMG also presented a limited special model to mark its 40th birthday: the 40 cars produced as the CL 65 AMG "40th Anniversary" edition in 2007 have since become valuable collectors' items. Mercedes-Benz's high-performance AMG brand was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Over the past 45 years the former two-man company has evolved into a world-renowned producer of unique high-performance automobiles.

The designers have created a new paint finish exclusively for the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY": designo magno graphite. This grey colour with its satin look further highlights the V12 roadster's supremely powerful character. The matt finish brings out the contours of the aluminium body in particularly striking guise. Highlights in the form of high-gloss chrome applications add interesting contrasts.

Such highlights include the new "twin-blade" radiator grille with blade-like slats, the surround for the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and the fins on the wings and the hood, for example.

Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt finish

The Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt finish is exclusive to the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY". The cross strut in the front apron, the exterior mirrors and the spoiler lip are produced in genuine carbon fibre with a satin finish. The AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine features the same look: the high-quality engine cover consists of matt carbon fibre and aluminium.

The AMG sports exhaust system provides for a characteristic engine sound. The outer surround of the twin tailpipe comes in black with chrome plating, while the inner insert is finished in high-gloss chrome. The AMG multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with high-sheen rim flange and matt finish round off the appearance to perfection. The light-alloy wheels from the AMG Performance Studio are fitted with tyres in size 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the rear.

Exquisitely designed interior with full range of appointments

The interior design of the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY" has been carefully coordinated with the special designo magno graphite paint finish: sitting in the highly exclusive AMG V12 roadster, one is surrounded by a composition of exquisite materials and exceptional workmanship combined with a comprehensive scope of standard-fit appointments.

A defining stylistic element is the upholstery in designo Exclusive STYLE leather in titanium grey pearl/ginger beige. The distinctive upholstery featuring the AMG-specific V12 layout with a diamond pattern adorns both the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats and the door centre panels. Embossed AMG emblems on the seat backrests exude the same class as the designo nappa leather roof lining in ginger beige featuring special stitching details in AMG V12 diamond pattern.

The AMG Performance steering wheel sports an AMG logo in its bottom bezel and offers a two-tone rim in titanium grey/ginger beige. The AMG trim elements are also finished in matt carbon fibre to match the matt finish of the Exterior Carbon-Fibre package. A badge on the ashtray cover bearing the logo "45th ANNIVERSARY – 1 OF 45" alludes to the 45th birthday of the AMG high-performance brand and highlights the exclusive character of this very special SL 65 AMG.

The key data at a glance:

SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY"

Displacement

5980 cc

Bore x stroke

82.6 x 93.0 mm

Compression ratio

9.0 : 1

Output

463 kW (630 hp) at 4800 - 5400 rpm

Max. torque

1000 Nm at 2300 - 4300 rpm*

Vehicle weight in acc. with EC standard

1950 kg

Fuel consumption, NEDC combined

11.6 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

270 g/km

Efficiency class

G

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.0 s

Top speed

250 km/h*

* electronically limited.

The SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY" features an exclusive and extensive range of standard-fit appointments (selection):

AMG Performance Media with telemetry function is additionally available from the AMG Performance Studio as an optional extra

The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY" will take place in September 2012.

45 years of high performance – the history of AMG

AMG – this brand stands for "Driving Performance", Mercedes-Benz-style. An uncompromisingly sporty driving experience is the hallmark of automobiles developed by AMG. This sporty character is shaped by unique driving dynamics together with maximum agility, a fascinating sound and emphatically sporty design. "Driving Performance" also embodies AMG's aspiration to be a driving force and innovator in the development of high-performance vehicles.

AMG is Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand. Since its foundation in 1967, Mercedes-AMG GmbH, based in Affalterbach near Stuttgart, has been concerned with the development of motor racing and engine technologies. Numerous successes in the field of motorsport and an excellent reputation among customers around the globe attest to the outstanding expertise offered by the AMG brand. As a one hundred percent subsidiary of Daimler AG, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has enjoyed a rapid rise to its present status. Today, the company is firmly integrated into Mercedes-Benz's development processes. This close involvement right from the concept development stage for new models spawns high-performance automobiles which embody a perfect blend of hallmark Mercedes-Benz genes and exclusive AMG features. The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is the latest result of this process to demonstrate the charismatic appeal which is the natural outcome of this partnership.

Mercedes-AMG is the right address for those in search of something special. The Performance Studio in Affalterbach develops and produces individual AMG vehicles and exclusive small series; the SLS, the SLS Roadster and the supremely sporty Black Series vehicles enjoy something approaching legendary status. The AMG high-performance brand is in its element on the race track – the SLS AMG GT3 has also been deployed in customer racing since 2011.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH currently employs a workforce of 1000 at its plant in Affalterbach. AMG's professionalism is defined by its pursuit of high performance as embodied in its vehicles, coupled with a due commitment to precision and respect in keeping with the brand motto of "Driving Performance."